Incumbents announce re-election plans

Date: 6/2/2009

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Nomination papers became available on Monday, jumpstarting the 2009 election season and the race for the captain's chair.

Mayor Edward Gibson told Reminder Publications he will seek re-election this fall, pitting him against Town Councilor Paul Boudo, who announced his candidacy on May 27.

"A little competition is always fun -- it's one of those things that sharpens the senses," Gibson said. "I'm very realistic [in thinking] that we are in very trying fiscal and economic times and that will continue over the next couple of years. However, I've got enough irons in the fire for projects and changes that I want to give it another two years [as mayor]."

He added that he is working with other communities to find "regional solutions" to problems such as animal control or police and fire dispatch.

Boudo said he has chosen to run for mayor because he's "up for a bigger challenge."

"If we all work together with an open environment of cooperation, including the mayor's office, the Town Council and the School Committee, we will be able to move forward and achieve positive goals for our town," he explained. "It is my intent to work closely with the Department of Revenue, Division of Local Services, to find programs to assist us in our achievement of these goals."

Other incumbents seeking re-election are Town Council President Gerard Matthews, District 1 Town Councilor Angus Rushlow; Town Councilors at-large Vernon Coleman and Robert Mancini; and School Committee members Kathy Alevras, Pat Garbacik and Dr. Joseph Foresi Jr.

"The first two years have been a learning experience," Mancini said. "I [have] just got my feet wet. In these tough times, need tough people to stay in [government]."

He added that he will continue to support level-funded budgets and further his work on the Traffic and Safety Committee to ensure the town's streets are safe.

"I feel that I'm doing some good for the citizens of West Springfield," Rushlow said. "When they need something I try to get involved and take care of their needs as much as I can."

He added that if re-elected, his "main concentration will be trying to create jobs for the people in my district."

Coleman explained that he is seeking re-election in order to accomplish various unfinished tasks. He was sworn in as councilor last July, filling the vacancy left by Town Councilor at-large Richard Newman, who died during his term of service.

Alevras and Garbacik cited budgetary woes and deteriorating facilities as their reasons for seeking re-election to the School Committee.

Town Council Vice President Kathleen Bourque, District 2 Councilor Cynthia J. Romaniak, District 3 Councilor Michael Finn, District 4 Councilor John Sweeney, School Committee Vice Chair Daniel Sullivan and School Committee members Nancy Farrell and Carmino Santaniello could not be reached for comment by press time.

Candidates must turn in their nomination papers by July 21 in order to be on the ballot for the preliminary election on Sept. 8 and the general election on Nov. 3.